Our LGBTQ+ columnist Caroline Barry gives us the lowdown of queer events past, present and future for this festive season…
Working as a make-up artist for the past ten years has left me somewhat bitter about Christmas - there are only so many times that you can be screamed at for more glitter and lashes before you start to hate the sounds and sights of the season to be jolly.
Another issue I have with the season is heading into ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ with chronic depression and anxiety. We are all aware of the mental health statistics for LGBT+ people as they make for scary and grim reading.
As someone suffering from both this season, I can assure you that it ain’t fun. We could all do with remembering to ‘God rest ye merry gentlemen’, take time off work, check in on our fellow LGBT+ siblings as we get ready for the mince pies and glaring lights of market square.
Where have I been this month? If you read my review of the DirtyFilthySexy’s event at Rough Trade then you’ll already know how Halloween went down in Nottingham. A skinful of wine in a skin-tight nurse’s costume left in an awkward position when the elderly PVC started to literally melt off my body. I did the best I could but sadly at midnight, with the threat of my carriage turning into a pumpkin and my arse hanging out, I made the difficult decision to jump on the tram home. Apologies to anyone who felt personally attacked by the sight of my sequin-clad arse cheeks hanging out as I raced to make it home before the rest of me made an appearance.
There was a strange but not unwelcome increase in musicals this month with screenings of Hairspray and Grease 2 around town. The amazing Grace Petrie took to the stage in Rescue Rooms at the start of the month with a spirited performance which not only raised the political consciousness but the roof as well. If you haven’t already become a fan of Petrie thanks to her numerous appearances on the Guilty Feminist podcast then have a listen to her amazing album, Queer as Folk. A lesbian classic.
Where to go in November? We are starting our month with a spot of comedy thanks to The Glee Club. The incredibly funny Suzy Ruffell will be performing her show, Dance like Everyone’s Watching on the Tuesday 19 November.
The indie and alternative markets are rolling into town this month with the first of the few starting on Friday 22 November with the craft fair at Nottingham Contemporary. Do you seriously need any excuses for mulled wine?
As well as the festivities, we’re raising our fists with the Reclaim the Night march on Saturday 9 November. To protest street harassment violence against women, it’s incredibly important to get out and say no. Enough is enough.
Protesting is just the start, with Equation’s Charity Pop-Up Shop in Rough Trade taking place on the Saturday 16 November. Do your bit for a good cause, and get something for the office Secret Santa while you’re at it.
LGBT+ mental health is also a focus this month, with a discussion panel and performance event in No.27 taking place on Wednesday 27 November. We could all do with being mindful at this time of year.
The Gilded Merkin also returns for a Christmas special on Friday 8 December in the Glee Club, so grab your best Christmas-themed nipple tassels and prepare to party.
November
1st– Grease 2. Broadway Cinema
6th– Cabaret (1972) (Film) Nottingham Contemporary.
9th– Queer and Trans Pop-up Exhibition (Art) New Art Exchange.
9th– Reclaim the Night march. (Protest) Sneinton Market.
16th– Equation Charity Pop Up Shop. Rough Trade
19th– Suzy Ruffell. Dance like everybody’s watching. (comedy) Glee Club
20th – Notes to Self, with Emilie Pine. Five Leaves Bookshop
21st- Vanessa Vanjee Mateo. (Drag) Glee Club SOLD OUT
22nd – Craft Fair. Nottingham Contemporary
24th-Conscious Xmas Gift Market (Shopping) Malt Cross
27th – LGBTQ+ Identity vs Mental Health. No.27 bar
29th – Hopkinson Alternative Christmas Fair. Hopkinson Vintage.
30th– Etsy Made Local Xmas Market (Shopping) Notts City Council House. Market Square
December
4th– Hedwig & the Angry Inch screening (Film) Nottingham Contemporary
8th– Gilded Merkin (Burlesque and Cabaret) Glee Club
8th – Nottingham Makers and Vintage Christmas Fair. Nonsuch Studios
14th – Women got talent comedy night. Rough Trade
31st – DirtyFilthySexy: New Queers Eve. Nottingham Contemporary
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